Release or extend punter Dustin Colquitt

Colquitt is currently costing the Chiefs $4.9 million in the last year of his contract. The 12-year punter still has plenty left in the tank, so instead of releasing him and saving $4.1 million, the Chiefs could extend Colquitt and backload his contract.

I’d suggest extending Colquitt since he’s one of the best punters in the league (he made the Pro Bowl in 2016). Chiefs fans would love to see Colquitt retire as a Chief one day and cement his legacy as the best punter in franchise history (and possibly one of the best ever).

Release tight end Demetrius Harris

Let’s face it, Harris hasn’t exactly lived up to his potential. He’s unreliable with his catches, has only caught two touchdowns in three seasons and is just an alright blocker. He also recently got into some trouble which means he might have to serve a suspension.

With a deep tight end class in the 2017 draft, it may be time to move on from Harris and pick up a shiny new prospect. The Chiefs can save $1.15 million by releasing Harris which isn’t much, but small moves like that can add up.

Restructure LB Tamba Hali’s contract

We all love Hali, but he’s costing the Chiefs way too much money right now. He’s running KC $8.5 million in 2017 and the same in 2018. That’s a lot for a guy that played a little over 50 percent of snaps in 2016.

Cutting Hali won’t do anything for the cap, so the Chiefs and Hali should entertain the idea of a contract restructure. Hali is a team-first kind of guy and has earned over $70 million in his career, so it’s at least a possibility that he’d be willing to take less money.

Release offensive lineman Zach Fulton

Cutting Fulton would clear up $1.797 million. Again, not much, but the Chiefs have Parker Ehinger and just signed Mike Person. They can fill the rest of those offensive line roster spots through the draft. Fulton is expendable.

Release receiver Jeremy Maclin

For the record, I’m completely against this idea. This only makes the offense worse, which is the side of the ball the Chiefs need to improve the most.

Still, I’ve seen plenty of fans clamor for this move. Cutting Maclin would save the Chiefs $5.2 million in 2017 and much more beyond. However, they’d still be on the hook for $7.2 million worth of dead money.